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Independent Media Must Stay Strong!

Local public stations like KZYX are unique because our daily programming is tailored to the communities we serve. We have the means to build bridges between those communities no matter how far apart they may be.

KZYX exists because of you. In these uncertain times, our mission to keep our listeners informed, entertained, and connected is more critical than ever. As the year draws to a close, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to the station you rely on for updates of all kinds – local, regional, national, and international.

This December, we’re trying something new to complement our traditional year-end outreach. KZYX is taking part in a nationwide fundraising effort, sponsored by the National Federation of Community Broadcasters, a network of small stations like ours, dedicated to supporting each other’s efforts to keep independent media strong. Called “GiveBig to MyStation”, the campaign is a 48-hour event for local public stations across the nation on December 29th and 30th. Your donation comes directly to KZYX, but by adding your voice to this effort, you are encouraging the work of community stations like ours all over the country. You can learn more about it by visiting the GiveBig to MyStation website.

Whether you send in your donation today, in the enclosed envelope, or or donate through the GiveBig to MyStation campaign, your contribution is critical to the survival of a rare and precious resource - independent media - right here in Mendocino County. Thanks for doing what you can!

Morning News for mONday, February 25th

The Fitch Rating service has reaffirmed nearly $80 Million of Mendocino county pension bonds at BBB+ , affirmed the general obligations as A- and upgraded the outlook from Stable to positive.

The reasons for the positive outlook: improvements in

the county's financial position following substantial expenditure reductions andmanagement reforms.

Management has raised fund balance targets and established policies to help meet these new goals, updated treasury practices, and begun preparations for its first capital improvement plan in seven years. A sustained record of surplus operations and enhanced financial flexibility will likely result in an upgrade in the near term.

The county's strong performance in 2012 follows substantial expenditure reductions, primarily through workforce and payroll reductions. Workforce reductions have eliminated approximately one-fourth of the county's full-time employees over the past five years, while remaining employees have seen permanent wage cuts of 10% to 12.5%. In addition, the county has eliminated other post-employment benefits for current and retired employees.

Despite the good news, the county continues to face challenges from a long-term economic contraction. In addition, wealth and income levels remain well below state and national averages.

The Ukiah City Council last week voted unanimously to borrow another $4 million in 30 year loan to pay for traffic improvements needed to bring a proposed Costco store to Airport Park Boulevard.

During negotiations, the city agreed to complete improvements to the intersections and Highway 101 off-ramps leading to the store as a way to alleviate traffic congestion in the area.

For Phase 1 of the improvements, staff estimates it will cost $1,184,264 to improve the intersection of Airport Park Boulevard and Talmage Road, add a signal at Airport Park Boulevard and Commerce Road, widen the intersection of Hastings and State streets and improve the medians on the southern section of Airport Park Boulevard.

Phase 2 will improve the interchange of Talmage Road and Highway 101, including modification of the off-ramps, and staff estimates it will cost $2,740,000.

According to the report, the interest rate for the state loaning authority was 2.06 percent for 30 years, and the city would likely pay an average of $213,000 a year for the planned loan, and repayment of the loan "will come from tax revenue generated by build-out of the Redwood Business Park.

Helping local farmers comply with water discharge requirements, proposed contribution rates for the county's retirement system and a proposal to adopt locally a law aimed at stopping illicit marijuana grows on public land are items on the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors' Tuesday meeting agenda for 9 a.m.

An Agricultural Lands Discharge Programwill require farmers to develop water management plans and have them reviewed regularly thru third-party verification.

The board will hear an actuarial valuation report on the county's retirement system that recommends that the county to pay 19.80percent of payroll for "general" members, 30.20 percent for "safety" members and 22.66 percent for "safety, probation" members . The rates are higher than those accepted in December and would be effective July 1.

Also on the agenda is a proposal by Supervisors McCowen and Gjerde to adopt a resolution that would implement locally Assembly Bill 2284 which will allow law enforcement to stop vehicles that are carrying certain types of agricultural irrigation supplies and on a rock or unpaved road on state or federal land, on a private timberland production site of 50,000 acres or greater .

Also on theagenda is a request from Gjerde and McCowen to adopt a resolution supporting a proposed northern expansion of the Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries to include all of the Mendocino Coast because "Oil and gas exploration and drilling are prohibited within National Marine Sanctuaries."

The 2017 MCPB Board Election

The KZYX&Z Board of directors has 3 seats open for election 2017: District 3—Willits/Laytonvile/Covelo; District 4—the coast; and an at-large seat for Mendocino or contiguous county residents.

To run for the Board you must be a station member; be able to carry out the responsibilities of a board member as described on the KZYX.org elections web page, and submit an application by 30 January.The application is available online or from the station. Submit it with your ballot statement by e-mail, by snail mail, or in person at the Philo studio.

To vote in the election you must be a paid-up member as of 31 December 2016. (Note: 31 December is a Saturday: if you wish to join by phoning the station—707 895-2324—please call before close of business, Friday, 30 December.)--Membership start at $25/year (simple living), $50 (regular membership), and on up through monthly (sustaining memberships) in whatever generous amounts you can afford.

Want KZYX archives on demand? Try the new KZYX Jukebox! It works well on your phone too. (Still being tested so offered "as is.")

KZYX Phone Numbers

Business office 707-895-2324

Philo studio 707-895-2448

Willits studio 707-456-9991

Mendocino studio 707-937-5103

KZYX Underwriting

KZYX doesn’t play commercials but we do have underwriting, which is very different from advertising. It is a great way to support KZYX and in exchange we will let our listeners know what goods and services your organization offers.